How does a water softener work?
A water softener uses an ion
exchange column.
Inside the column is a cross linked
plastic resin in the form of beads.
The beads contain sodium ions. When hard water flows through
the column, the hard water
ions (calcium and magnesium ions)
get stuck to the plastic beads and are replaced by soft water sodium ions.
In time, all the sodium ions get
used up and the column needs to have new
sodium ions put in to it. This is done by adding salt
to a container of salty water.
Salty water is flushed through the column and this introduces new sodium ions.
The water softener needs to be connected through a waste pipe to a drain
to allow the salty water to flow away after passing through the column.
Is it safe?
Yes it is safe. Water softeners have been
used safely for many years.
Will it improve my health?
No. The amount of salt in the water is very
small compared to the amount
which is often eaten in food. However, the increase in sodium ions in the water
may not be suitable for people who are on a low sodium (low salt) diet.
When a water softener is installed, it is considered good practice to allow
unsoftened water to be available at the cold water tap of the kitchen sink.
Is it better than a scale
inhibitor?
There are advantages in having an
electrolytic scale inhibitor.
For more information about how a scale inhibitor works, please click
here.
Does it work for stored water in a
tank or cistern?
Yes. The removal of hard water ions from the
water is permanent.
The water softener will be effective for water which is stored before
use.
Does it require maintenance?
Yes. It needs salt to be added periodically
(see above).
Salt can be purchased in 25Kg bags.
How long will it last?
If the water softener is well maintained, it will last for many years.
Please contact a manufacturer for details of their guarantee.
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